The flowers and leaves of the Gallipoli rose contain abundant essential oils.
The white Gallipoli rose (Cistus salvifolius), also known as the sage-leaved rock-rose, is widespread across the entire island at medium altitudes.
The sage-leaved rock-rose, doesn't yield the renowned labdanum, the aromatic resin with medicinal properties collected from the leaves. However, it is abundant in essential oils. Its flowering period spans from March to June, and its bush is sizeable, reaching up to one metre. The distinct white flowers always consist of five petals, and its overall appearance bears a resemblance to sage leaves.
Photo 1: Avramakis M. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
Photo 2: Trichas,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The flora of Crete
Cretan Oregano or Cretan MarjoramColchicum Balansae - Balansa ColchicoCretan ZelkovaCarob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)The Cretan Date PalmKermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)IronwortSand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)Cretan CyclamenThe Cretan CephalantheraDittanyPhoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited JuniperNatural MonumentsLilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)Olive tree of SamonasThymeOreganoCamomileMintPreserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of CreteThe Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, AmariBali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation EffortsGra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive FestivalSitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation InitiativesAsperula CrassulaCarlina diae, Carlina of DiaAnthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed ChamomileDianthus Fruticosus Subsp. SitiacusSilene HolzmanniiCarlina SitiensisBellevalia SitiacaLimonium SitiacumViola ScorpiuroidesThe Ancient Olive Tree of KakodikiLaurelRosemaryCommon BasilHoneysuckleOatChaste treeMyrtleCretan RockroseOphrys SitiacaThe Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured DiscoveryThe Ancient Olive Tree of FourfourasMandrakeAndrocymbium RechingeriAutumn Lady's-tressesTournefort CrocusOrchis SitiacaAncient Olive Tree in KouroutesMediterranean Meadow Saffron